Penn State to Host Free Screening of ‘Growing Cities’ Documentary

UNIVERSITY PARK — The public is invited to attend a free screening of “Growing Cities,” a documentary that examines urban agriculture as a way to revitalize cities and provide local food to its residents. The event is being held by Penn State’s Sustainability Institute and the Penn State Institutes of Energy and Environment on Earth Day, April 22.

Following the film screening, which begins at 6:30 p.m., a panel of Penn State and local experts will join the filmmaker and producer, Dan Susman, to discuss the film and the topics of urban agriculture and sustainable food supplies for a growing world population.

Susman’s passion for city farming originated when he worked on an urban farm in Portland, Ore. “Growing Cities,” which has garnered numerous awards at film festivals around the country, takes place during a road trip across the U.S. in which the filmmakers interview men and women who are raising food on rooftops, vacant city lots, in beehives, greenhouses and in backyard chicken coops.

“Urban farming has remarkable power on so many levels — it connects people to healthy foods, strengthens communities, creates jobs, revitalizes blighted areas and much more. That’s why this story is so compelling,” Susman said.

The event will take place in 121 Sparks Building. Seating is limited and available on a first-come basis. More information on the event is available at http://earthday.psu.edu, and a trailer of the documentary is available at www.growingcitiesmovie.com.

For more information on the panel members, to set up an interview with Dan Susman or for questions, contact Amanda Snyder at ajs52@psu.edu or at 814-943-0037.